A Tennessee Christmas

First Christmas away from home.  We got to talk to her on Thursday and it was great!  She is happy and working hard and learning that loving the people is more important than anything else you can do on a mission.  She inspires us every time we hear from her, and she looks radiant!  Even though we miss her at the holidays of course, we're so happy she is enjoying her mission and serving the Lord who's life we celebrate each year. Here are some excerpts from her last email:

We had our Christmas Zone Conference this past week which was AWESOME! Those trainings are the best! The spirit is always so strong and I am re-motivated and recommitted to the work when I leave. Also..... we got to watch Frozen!!! It was hilarious to watch it with missionaries who had never seen it before. 

Can I just say that Oak Ridge is soooooo musical!!! We had several youth in the High School Orchestra concert so we went to that and then we were invited to go to the Methodist Christmas Noel and then our own ward's Christmas program was spectacular! Music has the ability to quickly bring the spirit into a setting, and Christmas music all about Jesus Christ has such a powerful effect. 

One of our investigators, Leslie, was in the hospital this week, so we went and visited her She is an older lady who has a great knowledge of the Bible, but is very confused on how to interpret it. She is being "carried to and fro with every wind of doctrine." We stopped by to share a brief thought with her and she really loved the idea of "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." It was something that she really wanted to apply in her life, and her prayer was so genuine as she asked Heavenly Father to help her to do and see the small and simple things. It was an example to me that when we learn something new, we should strive to act on it and involve Heavenly Father in the process. He can make our weaknesses become strengths.

We had our Ward Christmas Brunch with a pancake bar! yum :) The primary kids did a short reenactment of the nativity. Can I just say I love little kids! They are so fun, innocent, and smart!

We also had a great lesson with Connie. She hasn't come to church yet, so we took her to the church for a lesson and gave her a tour. She stopped at the picture of the first presidency and said, "Wow.... what a powerful picture." Our last lesson with her was about prophets and so it was perfect that she connected with that picture and we were able to remind her what we taught her and testify of a living prophet.

Have a great week!! and FELIZ NAVIDAD!!

1st Transfer! Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Here She Comes!

 I forgot to post last week :(  So here are 2 weeks worth of letters:

I don't quite know about how to write about this past week. The first part of the week flew by and the second half is going slower... but all is well! :)

The first half of the week consisted of many goodbyes, which are hopefully just see-you-laters. I'm not one to cry, but I lost a few tears as I parted with the people I have come to love. One of the hardest goodbyes was to my trainer, companion and best friend. We really worked at our companionship and we became close the past 4 months.

Although it was hard, I have no doubt that I am supposed to be in my new area and with my new companion. My new companion's name is Sister Price. and guess what?? She is from Syracuse! We plotted our houses and we are only 15 minutes away. She went to Clearfield High and I am excited to work with her.

The ward here in Oak Ridge is made up of a lot of people from Utah who are here working. The streets are alphabetical which is convenient for missionaries who don't have a GPS! :) We for sure know Sister Price is leaving next transfer (which is a bummer. It'll be hard to bond in only 3 weeks.) so I'll have to learn my way around pretty quickly. Also, I live in a mansion! If you want to see, google earth 120 Wolf Creek Way. Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830. (which, if you want, you can send mail here for the next little bit instead of the mission home. Either way.) We live with a non-member: sweet, old Maxine who has diabetes and still eats pie every night. But we love her. It's good for us to be with her to help her with some of the things she can't do for herself and it's a blessing for us to be here as well. (She is the mother of a former bishop of that ward and she called us as soon as Rachel got there to let us know she was safe, so nice:)

A lovely Christmas sweater from Maxine!  I've always thought she looked good in red!

It's been a little hard the past couple of days with it being the first time I have ever transferred. I have not been in an area where my companion knows more about the streets, people and ward than I do. I am now starting all over with the hints I give people to help remember my last name:) (I think Trumpets works...:) Side Note: I love having a unique last name. Seriously, it's awesome. 

The people here are wonderful. I can't wait to get to know them better!

Love you all!! Happy December!!

And I noticed this morning that as of today, I am 19 and 1/2 years old! today's my half birthday!! ha! woot woot!

From Yesterday (Dec. 15th):

One of the highlights of this week was the half-mission conference with Elder Redlund of the Seventy. It was incredible!! A whole day of spiritual feasting! He had us read 3 talks by Elder Bednar before we came, in preparation for his words. It seemed like a main focus was prayer which was so perfect because my goal for this transfer was to improve my personal prayers. It was also a tender mercy that the Dalton district and everyone I have served with came to the same session I did! It was exactly what I needed to see them again and be able to talk, laugh and speak Spanish! ha! Seeing them did the opposite of what I thought it would. It gave me a jump start out of being sad about leaving my last area. :)

I have gotten to know Brother and Sister Huddleston here, who have been investigating the church for 2 years now. Because I was new, I began really digging for the deep concern of why they are not committing to be baptized. A few things surfaced that were not known before this which provided a great place to start. They could both be incredible members and I know that as soon as they commit, they will just accelerate in their testimonies and really in all aspects of their lives. They seem similar to a few other people I have worked with in the past, and I feel like I may be able to do some good for them.

We were able to be in a parade with the ward this weekend. Yes, it was cold, but it was a great opportunity to hand out pass-along cards! I have never seen people s ho happy to get a card! "a free movie about Christ? awesome!" or "what a beautiful picture of Christ. Thank you so much!" We'll see what good it did in the next little bit. It was also great to develop a relationship with the youth in the ward. I saw such success from in it my last ward and know that the youth of the church are incredible and have great potential.

On Sunday we went to the addiction recovery class with a less-active member and it was really neat. It is a program that will even help me to overcome my weaknesses.

We went to our first ward council yesterday and so far it doesn't feel like we are trusted or used very much. I have recently had this kick on working with the leadership of the ward and getting a vision for missionary work from our key-holders, so I have been studying that. It seems like it was divine guidance because I am probably going to have to use my excitement, experience, and new knowledge in that area here in the ward.

I love you all! Have a Merry Christmas! Don't get too wrapped up in the holidays that you forget to read your scriptures and pray. I have been studying the conference talks too which are such powerful words from our leaders.

Con Amor, Hermana Trommlitz

Maybe that could be a new pronunciation!

Thanksgiving Temple Trip

Wow!! Sooo cool! 

With this week being thanksgiving, I have reflected on how much I truly have to be grateful for. The Lord is so merciful to us!

Some crazy news for the week.... I'm getting transferred. I never knew it would be so hard to leave this area, but I am really struggling thinking about all the people I am going to miss here. One of the hardest things is the fact that I didn't expect it at all. I had great visions for this area and was really excited about the potential of all the people we were working with. I don't know where I am going yet, and won't know until Wednesday. I know that the Lord's plan is always better than what we might want and I am trying to look forward with optimism, but for now I am still really sad. I am ready for growth and I know that is what this change will bring.

Not sure what all this means, but looks fun :)  I had to laugh at the elder in the back on the left wearing Rachel's       "cheetah-themed" Santa hat! Guess I sent those for a reason! 

Before I knew I was being transferred I was asked to sub for the youth speaker and speak in sacrament meeting. So inspired. I was so grateful to speak my last Sunday here.

White shirt, tie, temple recommend in hand...so prepared for the gospel!

Joseph went to the temple this past week and loved it!! He was so excited the days leading up to it and when he was there he said he felt the spirit very strongly. He said it is one thing to talk about the temple, but a completely other thing to actually go inside. He is so right. The temple is the Lord's house and a place where one can feel the spirit unlike anywhere else.

The ward is really working well with Joseph. Yesterday was our last ward council and you can see the ward really feeling the responsibility of helping him stay strong in the church and become more converted to Jesus Christ. I am excited for him and for the ward. I think that seeing Joseph be baptized has excited the ward about missionary work.

This past week we were introduced to the "He is the Gift" initiative and are very excited about it!! If you haven't seen the video yet, go, RIGHT NOW, to christmas.mormon.org and watch it and then go share it on your facebook and everywhere else! It is a touching video which helps us to focus on the Savior this season. The church is putting a HUGE emphasis on it right now, so catch the vision and share this video with everyone. It is a really easy way to share the gospel and about Jesus Christ.

Another push lately has been for families to have their own mission plans and I encourage all that read this to do the same. It helps to keep a focus and a goal for missionary work. It also unifies the family on missionary efforts and gets everyone involved in the hastening of the work.

Look at that... 2 FHE's for ya! :) Mission plan and He is the Gift :)

I watched the video this morning.  It is wonderful!  As is everything the church puts out.  I'm excited to share it with everyone!  In our ward, our bishop has also invited us to council in our families about our personal and family preparedness, so we have 3 family home evenings ready to go for us!  YEA!!  

I love you all!! I am so grateful to be a missionary. I love this gospel and I love Jesus Christ. I love having the opportunity to share my testimony with everyone I meet. Happy December everyone!!

Missionary Christmas Tree :)

From Mormon.org to Baptism!

We've been following the ups and downs of Joseph, her first investigator that she's been privileged to teach from start to finish.  We've been praying for him and hoping he would come unto Christ by being baptized into His church.  Here is her email from this week:

 Joseph was baptized!! It was absolutely incredible. The spirit was so strong and simply got stronger and stronger as the service went on. The best part, beside the actual ordinance, was when Joseph bore his testimony. It was simple, but powerful. And coming from Joseph who has doubted the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith and modern-day prophets, it was huge. He was honest and sincere and made several people in the room cry! His parents were able to come and support him and his friend (who Joseph gave a Book of Mormon to earlier) came as well. There were many ward members who came to support him and he was happier than I have ever seen him before.

Sunday was equally as incredible. He was confirmed a member of the church and received the Holy Ghost. Then during the 3rd hour, he received the Aaronic priesthood! (We were able to sit in for that!) and then after church, he was interviewed and received a temple recommend!!!! :) :) :) And what perfect timing the Lord has, because the ward has a temple trip planned for adults and youth this coming Saturday! He is really excited to do baptisms for the dead. I am really excited to teach him family history this week :) :)

Even before he was baptized, we had kinda teased Joseph with the idea of going on a mission. We asked him after his baptism and he said the would really like to go, but will probably finish his degree first. We'll see what the Lord has in store for him, but he would be an incredible missionary. 

 I feel so blessed to be on a mission, serving here in Dalton, Georgia. I thank my Heavenly Father that I had the opportunity to be a part of Joseph's conversion. This church is truly Jesus Christ's church restored on the earth. This knowledge has brought direction and joy into my life. "My life has a purpose, my life has a plan..." 

I don't know how to read her words without crying every week.  It is such a blessing to be able to be a small part of everything she does in her missionary labors.  I hope our family can have at least one missionary out at all times for the next 20 years!!!  (I have 3 more of my own future missionaries and 11 nieces and nephews spanning age 4 months-17 years!) Go Elders and Sisters!!  

"Frozen" and CITH Festival of Trees :) 

  

       

The Rewards of Serving

  I decided to put out her whole email this week because it is short, but awesome!  Things are fantastic there in Dalton and the work is moving forward!  

Hola!

JOSEPH IS GETTING BAPTIZED!!!!! We went from him nearly dropping us last Sunday, to setting a baptismal date for November 22nd! Ever since he has set that date, he has been so happy and seriously a changed person. He said that after we dropped him off after stake conference last Sunday, he sat in his car and pleaded with the Lord whether or not it was worth it to continue meeting with us. He said he started noticing all the benefits he has received from studying with us - specifically improving his character, and he remembered Mosiah 5:2-5 and D&C 11:12-14 and felt that was how he felt like Heavenly Father chose to answer his question about whether or not to continue. So in his words he said, "I'm just going to go with the spirit on this one." He is recognizing and acknowledging the spirit.

And then, get this, the day after, he gives a Book of Mormon to his friend. What a missionary. We seriously hope he goes on a mission. He would be an incredible missionary.

We are beginning to teach the friend of a youth in the ward. He comes to church, mutual and even early morning seminary with his friend! We are also starting to teach Haley who is the friend of another youth who also comes to church and mutual. These youth are simply bringing their friends to the things they love and participate in. Not only will us teaching their friends be great for their friends, but also for the youth. Those lessons are powerful, and the principles taught in them are true and the spirit testifies of that. It is the gospel right down to the basics which we all need to start from and build upon. It helps us all to be reminded of the simple things. The stronger our testimony of the foundation is, the better we can build upon it.

I also want to testify the priesthood of God has been restored on the earth. It is powerful and truly is God's power. We had the opportunity to meet a new couple who just moved into the ward. They were at the hospital where they needed a blessing. It was their first night in their new house and didn't know anyone or anything about the ward. They somehow got the number of the missionaries and so we and the elders went to meet them. They said they had been less-active for the past little while, but yesterday (Sunday) they came to church. It was wonderful.

Hermana Horrocks and I sang in church. They haven't had any musical numbers since we have been in the ward, so we took initiative and prepared one!

Anyways, what a week!! I love you all! :) :) Stay warm!!

Love,

Hermana Trommlitz

It's Official...

We'll start with the news that is bursting to get out. MY MISSION PRESIDENT CHANGED MY CALL TO SPANISH-SPEAKING!! Last Friday was our zone meeting and President Griffin came to do Hna Horrocks' departing interview. :( When he was done, he came out and said, "Sister Trommlitz, could I talk to you for a minute?" and pulled me into the room. I sat down and he asked, "How would you feel about becoming a Spanish-speaking missionary?" I smiled and said that I would like that. He said he would order my tags and materials and that this new call would enable me to continue to study Spanish each day and he could now put me with Spanish-speaking companions and in Spanish-speaking wards and area. So my study of Spanish has now gone from casual and no pressure, to a whole new level of responsibility! But I am really excited. I have learned a lot by being with a Spanish-speaking companion and associating with the Spanish-speaking ward. It's wild! 

 

On Tuesday we pretty much set up a whole library for an elementary school. It was a real test of my alphabetical skills :)as we organized books! It was so fun to see all the books I read as a kid and it felt great knowing that I was a part in helping kids learn to read! woo!

A couple of P-days ago, I had talked to a guy in Wal-Mart who wanted to learn more about our message, and we were finally able to meet with him this past week. We met him and his wife. A sister from the ward came with us and having her as a team-up was so inspired because her husband in a retired Vietnam veteran and so was this new investigator. They were able to connect on that level and develop a friendship. We taught the restoration and then left. The next day we get a text from the ward sister saying that the wife had called her and asked when and where church was. It was stake conference the next Sunday, so they said they would wait a week and come the next Sunday. It shows how important members are in developing friendships with investigators.

A brother in the ward also called us and told us about a friend he had invited to meet with the missionaries. His wife has recently passed away. We went over with the ward member and taught the restoration to which he kept saying that we had so much more knowledge and he wanted to know it. The ward member set him up with listening to the Book of Mormon because he is old and has a hard time reading fine print. Another example of how great members in the area are and the big effect they can have on the success of the Lord's hastening of the work of Salvation.

Winter and Watchful Teenagers

It sure got cold this week and it is totally a different kind of cold! No snow :( but the humidity makes it cut right through you! But I love winter clothes, so there is always something to be happy about! Even if there isn't snow ;)

 The "Hayless" Hayride

We have had a lot of success and see future success through the youth of the ward.

We had received a referral from mormon.org from Thelma who had requested a Book of Mormon. We went to deliver it and a teenage girl opens the door in nothing but a towel! "Are you Thelma" we ask. She says yes, so we explain who we are and excuse her to get dressed. She comes back out and apologizes. She had just gotten out of the shower and thought it was her parents coming home and couldn't get in.

She said she knew one of the youth in the ward and that was why she requested the Book of Mormon. She didn't want her parents to know she was "interested in it" so we weren't able to teach her, but we hope to work through the youth to be able to teach her. As we are driving home, we get a text from one of the yw who was going to go out with us that day, but got sick. She asked if we had visited a Thelma. When we told her yes, she said, "That's my best friend!" If she hadn't been sick, she would have been with us when we met her! Bummer, but she knows two of the youth in the ward!

We also have a few youth who are bringing their boyfriends to mutual. One is interested in being taught and the family is part less active which would be awesome to teach him in their home! Another ym brings a friend to church, mutual and even early morning seminary! We talked to him on Sunday and he is willing to be taught the lessons in his friend's home.

When we first came to the ward, we tried to create friendships with the youth by attending yw on Sunday and mutual on Wednesday. By gaining their friendship and trust, they are now more willing to introduce us to their friends. 

Having the great privilege and opportunity to work with the youth in own ward, I know exactly of what she's speaking.  We have many youth in our ward who are sharing the gospel with their friends every day through word, testimony and action.  The Gospel is certainly rolling forth throughout all the earth.  Youth ...saved for the last days...

And a good reminder for us all:

Yesterday, I had prayed and asked the Lord to show me what I needed to do to become a better servant for Him. Revelation through church attendance works! We had a whole lesson on gratitude and I felt strongly that I need to be more grateful. Hma Horrocks and I made little turkeys that we are going to put on the door. One for each day saying what we are thankful for :) But during this next month, especially in prep for Thanksgiving, take a little time to slow down and be grateful for all the Lord gives us. As members of the church, we are incredibly blessed.

Pumpkin Carvin' and Gospel Preachin'

Even the little things our Heavenly Father makes room for in our lives!  So good to remember that :)

Sounds like some missionaries have been going home, so not as many in her area. Good thing there are always more going out!

Tuesday was saying goodbyes to everyone that was leaving. it was so sad! This week it was weird only having 3 sets in the area. Church was even more weird with us being the only missionaries in the ward.

Our last dinner all together was at the Beasley's. As we were finishing dinner, one of the sisters said, "so.... before you all leave, could you help me with a little service project? I have these pumpkins that need faces on them." :) I was sooooo excited! I have been wanting to carve pumpkins as a district for over a month!! and no one wanted to do it all together for a p-day..... so we never did :( but the desires of my heart were answered!!!

Our 2 young adult investigators are coming along and progressing. It is scheduled for one to be baptized in 3 weeks, so we have been working with him. The biggest thing for him to overcome is smoking. He has been wanting to quit for a while now and has once before, so it is absolutely possible to overcome this struggle (as is everything with the Christ).

The other one struggles with feeling lonely. He is 26, living alone, no girlfriend, not involved in anything, playing video games all the time, and about to graduate college. He accepts most everything we teach him and wants to be baptized as he comes to a knowledge that it is true. The gospel can change his life! It can give purpose and direction to him. 

Isn't this true of us all?  When we feel lonely, direction-less and unloved, the gospel of Jesus Christ changes our lives.  As we focus more on serving Him and His children, we forget ourselves.  There are so many out there who need the Savior.  It is so very exciting to see so many young members of the church go forth and serve in all the world.  They can teach and help to alleviate pain and suffering for so many.  I feel proud of our wonderful daughter today!  And grateful for all who have had an influence in her life!  

There Are No Coincidences

 Having Fun in the District

This past week, Felicia (our recent convert) went out on several team-ups with us. One of them, Scott, is her neighbor whom we have recently begun teaching. She has been a good example to him as she has stopped drinking coffee. He has noticed the change in her since she started meeting with the missionaries. Scott came to church for the first time yesterday and has been continuing in the missionary lessons with a curious attitude.

Felicia also came with us to visit Richard. I don't remember if I have or have not written about Richard yet, but he is the son of a less-active member we were introduced to as we were with a member doing visiting teaching. We were teaching the Plan of Salvation and when we invited him to be baptized, he responded, "you want ME to be baptized?" It was as if we had invited him into the coolest, most prestigious club - and in a way, we have. :) He said he would really like to be baptized, and so we set a date to work towards. As we were there, we were talking about jobs, because the restaurant he was working for just shut down. Felicia suggested that he could apply where she worked and she could put in a good word for him. It seemed like a great idea. THEN, she mentioned that they pay for tuition at the online university he had been attending, but he had had to stop due to financial reasons. I couldn't believe it! Hma. Horrocks looked at me and said, "Wow... I felt the spirit really strongly as she said that." I could feel it too. Heavenly Father truly organizes everything in our lives perfectly so we are in the right place at the right time, just like Felicia was at that lesson. As long as we are living righteous lives, he will use us as His instruments to do His work.

I don't think I need to say anymore.  That entry says it all.  Other than to add that our Heavenly Father loves ALL of us and wants us to be happy!

 The church building--Missionaries' home away from home!

WAIT...WHAT??!!! THEY HAVE TORNADOES IN THE SOUTH?!

Another new experience that Rachel would think is really cool...her mom??...not so much...:)

I don't want to scare anyone, but we did have 2 tornado warnings this past week! It was actually SUPER cool to watch the storm! :) we weren't hit, and we had all the needed information quickly to get to a safe place.

Each mission and each missionary's experience are unique.  We are part of a worldwide church that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere, but cultures, people and places are all very different.  That's what's so great about "Meet the Mormons".  We all get to see how others live, what their goals are and feel connected.  When Sister Trommlitz writes to us, we feel a connection to the people she talks about.  We feel sadness for those going through trials, hope for those about to embark on a new journey of becoming a Latter-Day Saint, gratitude for those who are close to her, and love for everyone in her life while she is away from us.  Here are some excerpts of her letter this week:
(Thank heavens for music in our lives!)

 On Friday (10/3) we received a call that Beau, the cousin of the Higgins (part-member family), had died. We had met Beau only once, but we were close to the Higgins' and they turned to us for help. On Monday night, the Elders came and gave priesthood blessings and we shared a spiritual message with them. They asked if we would come to the funeral to help and I mentioned that Hma Horrocks and I both played the piano and would be happy to play prelude or anything like that if they needed. She smiled and said that she was actually wondering if we knew how to sing. Both of us being in madrigals choirs, we said yes and she asked us to sing "Nearer My God To Thee" AT THE GRAVESIDE! That means acapella..... and at the graveside? whew! talk about pressure! And the Funeral was Wednesday morning, so we only had a day to practice!

The day of the funeral came and we got there early to help clean up from the viewing and while there, the Elders were asked to dedicate the grave and say prayers. Then, we found out that we got to be in the funeral procession!! Cool, right?? As we drove, everyone else completely stopped driving, right in the middle of the road! Our musical number went great and we were happy there could be an LDS influence even if it wasn't an LDS funeral. It sure was a southern one though... with everyone wearing jeans and flannel plaid shirts smoking around the graveside :) 

Last week we were out with a member and all of our appointments and backup plans fell through. So we visited another member that she visit teaches and that is how we found Richard. Heavenly Father truly led us that day to find him. He is the son of the lady she visit teaches. He had been previously living with his dad in California, but recently came out here to live with him mom. He is 26 (we are always teaching the young single adult boys! ha! hmmmm...interesting...) and has a brief knowledge of the church, but not much. He is really sweet and I believe prepared for the gospel. :)

I've been waiting for a book like this! ha!

Now THAT is a lovely face!

I'm sure this was a great weekend for Sister Trommlitz because of General Conference.  We love conference in our family (well...Tyler's getting there :)  and always feel rejuvenated by the talks and prayers and music.  I'm so happy that she is feeling great about her area and that members are being good to all the missionaries there.  It is such a blessing to know that good people are everywhere!  I also am struck by how much service they are doing.  Every week, she lets us know what they are doing to put forth good in the world.  That is all we're asked to do.  Testify of the Savior through word and deed and make others lives just a little better by having an interaction with us.  We can do that!  Here is what she is up to: 

We have a new investigator who we have helped move. We haven't had the opportunity to teach her the restoration yet, even after several times of trying, but while moving, the topic of family history came up. We talked about how the church has a large emphasis on family history and set up a time for her to meet with a member of the ward and start her own family history. She was so excited and this might be the way that she initially connects with the gospel. I can't believe how much I have been able to use my knowledge of family history since I have been out here. 

Anyone out there, and especially youth who might be reading this, take note of how prevalent the use of Family History is in the mission field.  It is critical that we learn and do it!  It will bless your life. 

This week we tried a new method of finding people. This past zone meeting we received questionnaires that people could fill out and get them excited to learn more. We went up to the local college campus, Dalton State, and began talking with the students. It was a success!! They are at the perfect time in their life to find the gospel. We found many who are interested and want to learn more which we are very excited about.

I remember hearing, (maybe from Elder Holland??)  that there are greater numbers of young adults coming into the church and accepting the gospel than that of any other age group.  I think there are many Dalton State students who will be ready and benefit from their work and testimonies :)

I really feel like she is settling in well there.  We're so proud of her even though we miss her like crazy.  It seems a long time even though it's not even been 3 months yet that she's been gone.  Pictures and her words each week help so much. Thanks to everyone for your support!    

 General Conference Potluck :)

            Gangsta Sista??

 

... Bike Week Just Got Real...

She would think this was funny because for a few years, we've been teasing our kids that when they're grown and gone, we're going to buy a motorcycle! And she keeps telling us that we can't do that, it's too dangerous, to which we let her know that we have no intention to speed around on a motorcycle, only to go at the snail's pace a middle-aged couple would be comfortable with!  And enjoy the outdoors without having to hike!  (my words, not Ken's :)  

Here's a cute story she shared this week:

It was a day after we had been in Chatsworth, so we had used many car miles and were already starting to get low for the month, so instead of going back home and then to our next appointment, we went straight to our next appointment and began talking to people in their apartment complex. We started talking to a group of about 6 kids ranging in age from 2 to 9. They were all doing cartwheels and dancing on the grass. We got talking to them and after a while of playing with them, I was wondering if we were beginning to waste time, but then the thought came to me, "Jesus loved the little children." So we continued to talk to them. They knew we were missionaries and at one point, one girl asked us, "will you teach me about God?" "Of course! we happily replied!" We sat down and they sat on our laps and all around us and we asked them what their favorite bible story was. Those who could read took turns reading a verse and we showed them pictures of Jesus. They started asking really good questions like, "Do we have to be baptized to get to heaven?" "Are Jesus and God the same person?" I believe that we made an impact on those young girls that day. I hope they remember the sisters in the black name tags :)

While we were talking to them, they knew everyone that passed by, so they introduced us to each one. We began talking with a young man and asked if he wanted to learn more. He said no and then went into his apartment. A few minutes later, he came back out and said he was now curious and wanted to know what we taught. We asked what changed and he said he had looked up the Mormons on wikipedia and was impressed that Harry Reid was a Mormon. ha! whatever works :) So we set up a return appointment :) 

Isn't that a great story?? :)

Tremendous Temples

The North side of the new Ogden Temple.  It is spectacular  inside and out!

It was a temple weekend for everyone!  We had the amazing Ogden Temple Re-dedication on Sunday and the incredible youth celebration on Saturday.  We sent her some of these pictures, and she sent us a marvelous story from their week:

              Most of the kids in our ward sang in the 2000-strong youth choir.  It was magnificent!!             

Our Stake was in the Army of Helaman/Missionary number.  It was one of the best!

I love this picture!  The theme of the celebration was "Shine the Light".  This shows that perfectly!

From Sister Trommlitz: 
 
This week, our young man investigator actually went to the temple with his parents! It was right after we had a lesson with him and he told us he was 50/50 for continuing lessons with us. We thought he was done. 3 days later we find out that he went to the temple with his parents. He was looking for an experience that would help him draw closer to God. While he was there, he bought himself a quad (he had been wanting one since day 1) and later he found a triple combination and bought that too! Sunday he came to all 3 hours of church and was so happy. You could just see it in everything he did. He had his new quad open the entire time and was making comments in class. We hope this is the turning point for him. We haven't had a lesson since he went to the temple, but just from talking to him at church, he says he felt peace, but still seems a little unsure if it was the spirit. We hope when we get the chance to really sit down with him and talk about it in more detail, he will recognize that he was feeling the spirit and God was answering his prayers. The temple is truly an incredible place. I miss being able to go! 

I have a strong testimony of the temple. the peace that is felt there is not just a coincidence or just because of the beautiful grounds and building. It is not just from the quiet or the smiles of people walking by. All of that attributes to it, but it is peace from God because the temple is such a sacred place. It is God's house where we make sacred covenants with Him. I know the peace that he felt was the spirit confirming this to him and all that he has been diligently studying. I have never seen anyone desire for an answer so much. 

I remember when Rachel turned 12 and was so excited to be able to finally go inside the temple and do baptisms.  Ken and I took her to the old design Ogden temple, just the 3 of us.  I showed her around the locker room, got her clothing and made sure she felt comfortable, and Ken was able to perform the baptisms for those who have gone before.  It was a wonderful day.  But at that time I didn't know that she would prefer to be in the temple over almost anywhere else, over the next 6 1/2 years. When she could drive, there would be days she would already be gone when we got up (which is at 5 a.m.), having headed to the Bountiful Temple before school started.  And many Friday and Saturday nights would find her in the temple before or after hanging out with friends.  And many times she would organize her groups of friends for temple trips.  Others of her HS friends would also plan temple days and they would all go together.  It was a great way to spend some of her teenage  years.  After she made additional covenants when she received her mission call, she attended the Provo temple at least once a week until she left on her mission.  So when she says she misses the temple, she really means it!  Would that we all could have such a love for the Lord's house.  
  
Our ward had a day of service on Saturday where we cleaned and repainted a school playground. It doesn't sound like as big of a project as it was! It was great to see the ward come together and serve in the community. Service unifies the ward because it brings us all closer to God as we serve his children. 

Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday :)  

 

A Clinton Miracle!

You hear and say a lot regarding missionaries, that there are certain people one is sent to a particular mission to reach, teach and love.  This week Sister Trommlitz found one of them!  It is exciting to see the hand of the Lord in our daily doings.         

This week, we had sisters spend a day with us as we visited less active families and guess what?! We met a sister who is from.... guess where..... CLINTON!!! It reminded me that there are specific people here that I have been sent to help. We both couldn't believe it. We laughed and bonded as we talked about recent changes in the city over the past 5 years and she gladly accepted to come back to church. We'll keep working with her and strengthening her testimony so she doesn't lose that desire.

It is so fulfilling to see less-actives who you are working with come back to church. We had another sister with many many trials who has recently started coming back.  I feel so much joy when I see her come to church and understand the gospel. 

Each week reading her emails, makes me re-commit to doing what I can in motivating myself, my family and the young women over whom I have stewardship, to reach out to everyone--those who currently participate fully in the church, those who have fallen away for any reason, and those who don't yet know or understand the gospel.  It is the shot in the arm I frequently need!  Thank goodness for good missionaries and good daughters!!  

Their favorite place to eat :)

I do not know why these missionaries chose the zombie look !:)

 

6 Weeks and 1 Transfer

Well, not a transfer for Sister Trommlitz though!  She and her companion are staying in Dalton.  She is happy to be able to continue her work there.  

Felicia and Jonathan were baptized last Tuesday! It was such a wonderful baptismal service and they radiated as they made this sacred covenant.  

Sunday was INCREDIBLE. Jonathan and Felicia were confirmed and Fast and testimony meeting was indescribably great. Sundays are always my favorite day of the week, but fast Sunday is the highlight Sunday of the month. Fasting brings the spirit in a way that is unlike anything else. So much learning and growth happens on those days.

One morning this week we get a phone call from the other sisters asking if either of us knew how to do family history. I was happy to respond that I had some experience. They then explained that they had a member who was going to come and set their recent converts up with an lds account and show them how to prepare family names for the temple, but could now no longer come. I was grateful that I was taught about family history and learned, so that I could help others do missionary work for their family members who have passed on. 

It is really great as a parent to know that things we as parents and church leaders have taught to our children are making an impact on their adult lives. (even if they do it kicking and screaming sometimes!) But Rachel took to Family History Work here at home just as well as she is taking to full-time missionary work! She even gets some time out there once a week to continue working on our family lines.  It is very exciting.  I have heard that if new converts to the gospel get involved in family history work right away, it increases their long-term activity level in the church.  So these sisters are really doing some great things with the newly baptized members! 
   

I gave my first training in our last district meeting. I taught about bearing testimony and as I studied about it, I gained a stronger testimony that we all need to share what we know. As we bear testimony we can teach principles of the gospel to people in a very comfortable way. Faith of all participants (those sharing and those listening) is strengthened. Don't be afraid to share your testimony! It is such a blessing to be able to do so.

Great counsel for us all!  I know Jesus Christ lives, that His restored gospel is on the earth today and we are a part of a great work in building the kingdom.  I know Joseph Smith saw, conversed with and learned from our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. And that he subsequently translated the Book of Mormon, the book that will bring us nearer to God than any other book on earth.  I am grateful for this knowledge and want to continually improve so that I can return and live with my Father and my family forever.  

Why she's holding a chicken, I'll never know!  

 The Dalton, Georgia District--They look like they're cracking up--I wonder what the story is behind that?!

 

From the ice bucket challenge to baptism

We didn't get emails from Sister Trommlitz on Monday this week, so we were anxious to see if they would come today, and they did!  I'm so glad she got to get outside a little and do something in nature.  That is really what she loves, being outdoors, appreciating and enjoying our Heavenly Father's creations. (Don't know how she ended up MY daughter!! She's definitely her father's daughter though!) For us, time is going by both slowly and quickly. We miss her, and we all, especially her siblings feel the loss of not being able to talk to her and see her regularly. I love what she said at the end of this email about faith.  It is such a good thing for all of us to remember.  Also, we know that there are people in the area of the country in which she is serving who need her to be there to teach and love them and to introduce or help strengthen the gospel message in their lives. I love that our Heavenly Father knows all, and that He gives each of us individually the experiences we need to continue to have the mortal experience we need.  Here are some excerpts from her week: 

Hermana Horrocks and I went to mutual on Wednesday where they did the ice bucket challenge afterwards. We went to just watch and take pictures of everyone, but we then got nominated!! And we couldn't just say no to a challenge! So in our skirts we sat down and allowed ice water to be dumped on our heads. ha! 

On Labor day, a family from the other 3 sisters area came down and took us to the Joseph Standing Monument and Cloudland State Park to go hiking. It was so needed... just to get out in nature and enjoy a good hike.

THE COUPLE WHO JUST GOT MARRIED ARE GETTING BAPTIZED TODAY!!!!! :) :) :) :) When they were trying on baptismal clothing the other day, I got so excited for them as I saw them in white. They are going to be incredible members of the Lord's team. They have solid testimonies and their faith is strong. They both have the temple as their goal and that's how it has been for most of the time they have been investigating. It will be a great day to see them achieve that goal.

The college student we are working with is progressing wonderfully.  He has now finished The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage and the Doctrine and Covenants! He has been going to early morning seminary and enjoys that. We continue to pray that he will recognize an answer to his prayers. He has incredible potential as a member of this church. 

I went on my first exchange this week! I was with Sister De Hoyos in Harrison Bay and it was awesome! She is a great missionary and I learned a lot from her. We ended up doing service most of the day for a family that needed help fixing their house. They had just moved in and the place was A MESS. And not just a mess with clutter everywhere.... this house was destroyed. We helped them repaint and scrub the place down. 

I don't know where the time has gone! It is such a blessing and opportunity to be a missionary at this time. I love serving the Lord. I have been thinking a lot about faith these past couple days - how everything relates back to faith. It truly is the first building block and the anchor of our testimony. Faith in Jesus Christ is key and the more I develop that, the stronger other aspects of my testimony become. It all starts with faith. 

What?! Missionaries can't dance??!

The stake had a youth activity and it was in our area (which I am told is super rare because we are so far south compared to the rest of the stake!). But it was an awesome turnout! We played sports all day (it totally rained on us! Completely dumped!) and then had a dance that night (which we unfortunately couldn't attend. Something about the music not being missionary appropriate or something... but I think it was because we didn't want to make the youth feel bad with our dancing skills ;) )

I Love the photobombing ward member in the middle!!  

I don't have to remind anyone who knows Rachel that dancing is definitely NOT one of her talents!  But I am sure she had a great time playing the sports with the youth :)  So far so good in the great city of Dalton.  Adam is working with a trainer who works for a carpet company based out of Dalton, so he's spent a lot of time there.  He told us when he was there in '01, there was just a little tiny branch there.  Now Rachel told us it is actually a HUGE ward AND the Spanish ward too!  So missionary work has flourished in that area.  She shared more about the young man who came to church on his own.  I'm so glad to know what's happening so we can add our prayers to theirs for him.  Here it is:

 Last week I mentioned the young man who showed up at church of his own curiosity. Well, If you thought that was inspiring... wait till you hear the rest of his story!

Originally he was a mormon.org referral and he requested a Book of Mormon. We were planning on giving it to him on Monday when we first met with him, but because he came to church on Sunday, we gave it to him then.

On Monday we met with him, as originally planned, and found out that he had already read to Mosiah. Yep, he read to Mosiah in one night. We taught him the restoration and he happily accepted all of it and committed that if he found the Book of Mormon to be true, he would be baptized.

We met with him again on Wednesday and by then, he had finished the Book of Mormon. He had read the Book of Mormon in 3 days! He said that one night he was up until 5:30 in the morning reading it. When we talked to him on the phone one night he said, "I put [The Book of Mormon] at the top of my list of books to read and when a book holds that position, I get it read. It's kinda my priority book right now." He loved Alma 32, but he said that he didn't feel like he had a witness of the Book of Mormon being true yet.

We taught him the Plan of Salvation that day. He had really deep, good questions that he asked. In each lesson, he always seems to ask about the principles of the next lesson. He is craving knowledge! He wants to know everything.

We taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ on Friday and when we asked what he had been up to that day, he said that he had been listening to conference talks. We hadn't even asked him to read, but he wanted to learn more and so he went online and looked up the conference talks! He is truly one who has been prepared by the Lord. He loves the Articles of Faith and when he was in a bookstore, he saw James E. Talmage's book on it, so he bought it and is beginning to read it. He said he is just trying to get his hands on whatever he can to learn more.

Sister Horrocks and I couldn't believe all of this. He was soaking everything in, and seemed to have no concerns about anything! Until yesterday.

Yesterday he came to church again, but left after the second hour without any real reason. We knew that something wasn't right. As we were texting him throughout the day, he expressed that he was having some doubts and was feeling overwhelmed.

We met with him that night and he shared that he was losing motivation after he had put in so much effort to find an answer, but still doesn't have one. He said he had been praying, reading and searching, but hasn't received a witness. We used the scriptures and tried to address his concerns. Right now we are praying for God to bless him with a confirmation that what he is reading is true. 

There are many ups and downs of missionary work.  Highs and lows that you have to realize are part of Heavenly Father's plan of agency.   In the end, our part is to do our best to add our efforts in bringing about the immortality and eternal life of man.  I don't doubt with caring missionaries and members, this young man will receive his answer.  

Sisters doing service helping wash a fire truck!